Kidnappers release British hostage film
The National Liberation Army in Colombia has released a tape showing a British man taken hostage.
The tape shows all of the hostages in apparent good health, and includes a message from the Briton for his family. He assured his loved ones that he is being treated well, and asked that they apply pressure to the British government to secure his release.
Mark Henderson of Yorkshire was captured in September along with four Israelis, a German, a Spaniard and another British man.
Matthew Scott, the other British captive, escaped from the rebels several days after the group was kidnapped. He then found his way through the jungle to safety, and has since returned home.
The Spanish and German Hostages also sent messages via the video, asking their Governments to help ensure their safe return, while the Israelis were filmed playing cards.
Colombia is negotiating for the hostages’ release, and the rebels are demanding that the UN look at the plight of villagers in some parts of Colombia. They are also believed to be demanding the release of fellow guerrillas from prison.
The Catholic Church is acting as an intermediary between the National Liberation Army and the Colombian Government, but the rebels have issued a warning that hostages will be executed to prevent any rescue being successful.
